ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

Near South Planning Board's annual Printers Row Lit Fest is a free, two-day literature festival held annually on Printers Row in downtown Chicago. Celebrating over 40 years, the festival welcomes tens of thousands of attendees and features nationally recognized authors, Pulitzer Prize winners, independent presses, literary organizations, and community partners as part of exhibitor booths and program sessions.

ELIGIBILITY & OPPORTUNITIES

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTED PRICING THROUGH MARCH 31, 2026 

 

EXHIBITOR ELIGIBILITY

You may apply if you are one of the following ONLY:

• Author (with books available for sale)
• Bookseller or bookstore
• Literacy or educational organization
• Literary podcaster
• Publisher (independent or traditional)
• Seller of book related products (i.e. bookmarks, book totes)

Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance. Priority will be given to bona fide booksellers and applicants who clearly meet all eligibility criteria. Sponsors and some long-time exhibitors may be exempt from specific eligibility requirements. Near South Planning Board reserves the right to limit categories to avoid over-saturation and refuse participation by any company or organization at its sole discretion. 

 

EXHIBITOR APPLICATION DEADLINE
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2026 at 11:59pm CST
Applications received after this date will not be accepted.

 

NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE

• Acceptance emails will be sent by June 1, 2026. 
• Bona fide booksellers who apply on time will typically be notified within two weeks of submission. 
• Non-book sellers (i.e. informational literacy organizations) may be placed on a standby list and notified of acceptance by May 15th.
• Exhibitor manuals and space assignments will be sent by August 31, 2026. 

 

EXHIBITOR OPPORTUNITIES
All exhibitor spaces include standard placement within the festival footprint.

 

Exhibitor fees directly support the operational costs of producing this public-facing, free event organized by Near South Planning Board.

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTED PRICING THROUGH MARCH 31, 2026

Pricing will increase April 1-May 15 

• (1) Sidewalk Table ($440.00 EARLY BIRD) ($475 April 1-May 15): 4’ x 8’ space on the sidewalk with (1) 8’ x 30” table, (2) chairs and (1) exhibitor table sign provided. This is NOT a tented space.

 

• (2) Sidewalk Tables ($780.00 EARLY BIRD) ($800 April 1-May 15): 4’ x 16’ space on the sidewalk with (2) 8’ x 30” tables, (4) chairs and (1) exhibitor table sign provided. This is NOT a tented space.  

 

• 1⁄4 Tent ($1,500.00 EARLY BIRD) ($1,550 April 1-May 15): One side of a 20’ x 20’ tent (20’ x 4’ space). The remaining 3⁄4 of the tent will be occupied by other exhibitors. (2) 8’ x 30” tables, (4) chairs (unless otherwise noted) and (1) exhibitor banner provided. 

 

• 1⁄2 Tent ($2,250.00 EARLY BIRD) ($2,350 April 1-May 15): Two sides of a 20’ x 20’ tent (2 - 20’ x 4’ spaces). The remaining 1/2 of the tent will be occupied by other exhibitors. (4) 8’ x 30” tables, (8) chairs (unless otherwise noted) and (2) exhibitor banners provided.

 

• 10’ x 20’ Tent ($2,675.00 EARLY BIRD) ($2,775 April 1-May 15): 10’ x 20’ space (entire tent). (4) 8’ x 30” tables, (8) chairs (unless otherwise noted) and (4) exhibitor banners provided. The back side of the tent will NOT be accessible to attendees. 

 

• 20’ x 20’ Tent ($3,675.00 EARLY BIRD) ($3,775 April 1-May 15): 20’ x 20’ space (entire tent). (2) 8’ tables on each side (total of 8), (16) chairs (unless otherwise noted) and (4) exhibitor banners (1 on each side of tent) provided. 

POLICIES

 

CANCELATION POLICY

As an applicant to exhibit at Printers Row Lit Fest, please note that the following cancellation policies apply. All applications are due by Friday, May 15, 2026.

• If your application is not accepted, you will receive a full refund of fees. 
• Cancellation within 7 days of applying: Refund minus $25 administrative fee. 
• Cancellation by June 1, 2026: 90% refund of fees. 
• Cancellation between June 2 - July 1: 50% refund of fees. 
• Cancellation between July 2 - September 11: No refund will be issued.

All deposits and payments made are non transferable to future years or events, and no exceptions will be made. Agreement to these terms is required to proceed with your submisison per "Terms & Conditions" below.

TERMS & CONDITIONS 

Please review the 2026 Printers Row Lit Fest Terms & Conditions here. By signing that you agree to the terms and conditions as part of the exhibitor application process, you are agreeing with the cancellation policies noted within. 

 

PLEASE NOTE, ONCE YOU TYPE YOUR NAME BELOW, THE BALANCE OF THE APPLICATION DETAILS WILL EXPAND AND YOU'LL BE ABLE TO COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION SUBMISSION.

EXHIBITOR CONTACT INFORMATION